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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Aubrey and Maturin share?

2. What happens to Ponto one night?

3. Where does Aubrey find Maturin enjoying a performance?

4. What do Maturin and Graham fear will happen to their naval maneuvers if there are French spies in the area?

5. What does Aubrey need in order to set sail on the Surprise?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it like in Malta and why does that not cheer up the British officers?

2. Discuss the goings on of the man Andrew Wray.

3. What does Aubrey fear about his crew as time passes?

4. Describe Stephan Maturin.

5. Describe Mr. Hairabedian.

6. What does Aubrey order his crew to do and where does Aubrey go while they are obeying his order?

7. What does Aubrey decide to do about Mrs. Fielding and why?

8. Briefly describe the men's march through the desert.

9. Who do Aubrey and his crew meet in Mubara and what does he tell them?

10. What does Aubrey find when he checks on his crew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At sea, the commander of a vessel is "God," and failure to obey the Captain's orders can subject one to court martial and even execution. Discuss the following:

1. Should sailors be held accountable for anything they do under orders? Discuss fully, using examples both from Treason's Harbour and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think mutiny on a ship is punishable by death?

3. Is there ever justification for a crew to mutiny?

Essay Topic 2

In addition to understanding the war in which O'Brian's novels are set, it is quite helpful to have a basic understanding of nautical terminology and the types of ships and their armaments that were used during the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Define ten of the most commonly-used shipboard terms and discuss how those terms are used in Treason's Harbour.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the ships used in the early 1800s?

3. How is the British navy organized during this period (early 1800s) and how different do you think it is organized today (including how one rises in rank).

4. Compare/contrast one of the naval battles/hostile actions between two vessels described in the novel with one from WWII.

Essay Topic 3

During this era when the book takes place, if a vessel under the command of a naval officer captures another vessel from a country with whom they are warring or captures a pirate vessel and the crew of the victorious vessel shares in the goods, money and value of the vessel. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the British had such a policy in place then?

2. What are the possible abuses that can arise from such a policy?

3. Why do you think this policy is eventually abandoned?

4. Which vessel(s) are mentioned in Treason's Harbour that fall under this maritime law and what are the circumstances of their capture? Does it seem fair?

(see the answer keys)

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